Model of the Stern of a Ship with the Screw Placed behind the Rudder 1854

This model of a ship’s stern, with a screw placed behind the rudder, was crafted by Duncan Christie from wood and metal. Although we don’t know exactly when it was made, we can be sure that it belongs to a period when new technologies transformed maritime transport and naval warfare. This object encapsulates the optimism around technological progress in the 19th century and the excitement about the industrial revolution. Scale models were commonly used by inventors and engineers to showcase their new ideas. They were also valued for their aesthetic appeal. Models like this played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and promoting innovation. They would have circulated through institutions such as scientific societies, engineering workshops, and maritime exhibitions. The lack of information surrounding this particular model provides a fascinating insight into the social conditions that govern what we see in the museum. It encourages us to ask new questions about the relationship between art, science and society.